GoRuck GR1

Welcome to the Wirecutter Bag Index. Because of variations in style and taste, we’re including about a dozen different bags in each category rather than selecting a top pick. After sorting through hundreds of bags, we’re including only those we’ve tested and which provide good value for their standard of quality and materials.

Once you get over the sticker shock, you’ve got to ask yourself, “Do I need a $300 day bag?” For most people, the answer is no. A $45 backpack will get your goods from A to B just as capably as the GR1. But, unlike the GR1, a cheap bag doesn’t look both badass and understated at the same time. A cheap bag won’t stand up to the punishment that the GR1 can take, either. With a bag like the GR1, you’re not paying for cache that comes with a well-known label. You’re paying for dependability. You’re investing in something that will last you for a decade instead of a few years.

Designed by a former U.S. Special Forces operator and field tested by Green Berets, the GoRuck GR1 is a 26-liter backpack that, thanks to it’s low profile and thick, high quality shoulder straps, looks and wears like a significantly smaller bag. Strapped into the pack, you’ll find that it moves with your body, provides ample ventilation between itself and your back and, despite the fact that it lack a hip belt or sternum strap, offers a surprising amount of load management. I’m not a big guy — only 5’7″ — and I found that its 10.5”W x 20”H x 6.75”D size wore well. I can only expect that those of you raised outside of The Shire would find it just as comfortable on your back, if not more so.

The GR1 has enough organizational features to serve as a commuter bag, but is large and tough enough for a weekend in the woods too.

The GR1 has two main compartments built into it: a reinforced area accessed by a single L-zip underneath of the pack’s shoulder straps that is large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop or a 3-liter hydration bladder, and a large, main compartment for hauling around the rest of your kit. As part of my testing of this bag, I brought it along on a weeklong trip to northern British Columbia, and forgoing a hydration bladder, used the reinforced area to carry around my laptop and a SOG tactical tomahawk. Over the course of seven days, I never once thought about the fact that my laptop or tomahawk were digging into my spine, because, well, they weren’t. The pack sat flat against my back and, aside from the amount of weight that was being toted around inside of it, was very comfortable to wear.

The second of the two main compartment opens up flat, which makes it a lot easier to pack if you plan on using the GR as a carry-on or overnight bag. It’s also one hell of a lot easier to find stuff in the bottom of the bag than it is with most panel-loading packs that only unzip 50 percent of the way down the front.

Internal organization of the main compartment is aided by the presence of large mesh pocket that’s about the right size for keeping documents from getting tumbled into a dog’s breakfast at the bottom of your bag. Zippered areas also help, as they’re suitable for stashing the charger for a MacBook and a number of other cables. There’s also a central pocket at the bottom of the main compartment with an elastic cinch at the top that’s just about the perfect size for an iPad, a few magazines or a one-liter hydration bladder. Thanks to the presence of MOLLE webbing on the inside of the main compartment, there’s also room for a significant amount of interior customization, too. I think, though, that most people would benefit more from the purchase of a few packing cubes to keep the pack organized, rather than investing in extras that can be attached to the GR1’s webbing.

The GR1 can accommodate a 17″ laptop or a three litre hydration bladder–but doing both at the same time’s likely a bad idea.

There’s a large slash pocket on the GR-1 as well. I was able to jam my sunglasses into it, along with a Moleskine notebook, a multitool, some pens and a survival kit in a can — and I still had plenty of room left over. Everything on the bag is sealed up by YKK with silent 550 cord zipper pulls, a nice touch that’ll help the bag to last a long time and make a minimal amount of noise while you haul it around. The whole thing is constructed of 1000D Cordura Nylon, so you’ll get a good amount of water resistance out of it and a whole lot of durability. If you do manage to damage it, however, GoRuck’s got your back; all of the company’s gear is covered by a lifetime guarantee.

Carrology’s Greg Nelson settled on the GR1 as his go-to bag after buying and testing a number of other similar military packs. On the topic of the bag’s comfort when carrying heavy loads, Nelson says, “The absence of a sternum strap is inconsequential. A protective and structural rigid sleeve inside the back panel means the pack rests high on the shoulders. Even when fully loaded it doesnʼt pull on the straps. When running and cycling itʼs comfortable and it stays put.” John Gaffney of Gear Patrol likes his GR1 so much that he’s used it almost daily for a year. Gaffney wrote a review of the GR1, and was quick to point out the many ways that he’s been able to customize the bag to meet his specific needs.

As much as I love this bag, I do have some problems with it. First, the $295. I’ve actually lost sleep over whether or not I should buy this thing. Its a steep price to pay for a bag, especially since I’m no longer living the rough-and-tumble lifestyle that I was a few years ago. But when I think about the pair of Oakley packs and a tactical taylor bag that I managed to destroy in under a year, just by hauling around a MacBook Pro, some gym gear and my lunch, it’s easy for me to justify the purchase.

There’s no outside stash pocket for a water bottle or a coffee cup, either. Given that the pack is covered in MOLLE attachment straps, I feel confident that if it becomes a frustration I can’t live with, I’ll be able to find an accessory pouch that’ll make up for this shortcoming. Some people might also find that the GR1’s thick, stiff shoulder straps aren’t to their liking, and may be a little over engineered, but I really like the feel of them. When you’re wearing a GR1, at least in my experience, you get a feeling of confidence that your pack and belongings aren’t going anywhere. Plus, on longer treks, you’ll come to appreciate the thickness of the straps as they’re less likely to dig into you if you’re carrying a heavy load.

It’s on the heavy side, too. Even when it’s empty, the thing weighs 1.5 kilograms. But the weight is due to the build quality and the materials used in its construction. If you’re looking for a light-weight pack, you might want to consider the Tom Bihn Synapse. It won’t hold nearly as much, and can’t take the same amount of punishment as the GR1 can, but it’s feather light.

Of all of the bags that I’ve tested recently, for both this bag roundup and my recent search for the best daypack, this one is my favorite. If you’ve got the cash to spend, and if you like its looks and want to invest in a product that you’ll still be using years from now, I think the GR1 is worth the $300 asking price. Having grown attached to loaner that GoRuck sent me, I plan on buying one.

Sources

"When the need arose for a heavy duty, solidly constructed backpack that could withstand the rigors of heavy loads and harsh environments, I began to research some of the larger military carry manufacturers. I even purchased several just so I could field test them personally. They were mostly well built, functional and strong, and despite the diversity of design and manufacturing standards, they all had one thing in common. They looked tactical. Which isn’t so bad when you’re out in the field, but not the most amazing look when you’re in a suit walking to your office.

"...one of the best things about a GORUCK product is how they’re set up for you to make your own — something you really can’t tell until you’ve made a step into their system. 2×3 velcro patches and MOLLE webbing inside and out allow you to configure their bags exactly how you need or want."

Originally published: October 12, 2012

http://www.grumpylemming.com HelgeG

GORUCK bags are addictive. After having had the GR1 for a while, I now also have an Echo which I use as a day pack, and a GR2 for longer trips (1 week +). For business trips of up to a week, everything I need fits in the GR1, including suit, shirts and computer. Best bag I ever owned, and although the price is painfully high, I don’t regret spending the money.

http://twitter.com/SeamusBellamy Seamus Bellamy

I feel exactly the same way. I ended up buying the one that was sent to me for review. No regrets.

http://twitter.com/onewil Wil

Any chance you’ll update this review with feelings after 6 months or 1 year?

http://twitter.com/SeamusBellamy Seamus Bellamy

I’ve got so much work to do for the site and my other employers that I likely won’t have the time Wil. But, I can tell you that six months into owning my GoRuck bag and using it almost daily, It shows little sign of wear, the straps have become even more comfortable, and I’m even more confident that I made the right choice in buying it. Frigging expensive, but totally worth it.

Michael Flynn

I ordered the SK26 from GoRuck last week and I’m excited to get hands on it. I plan to make it my daily carry bag. The removal of all of the external MOLLE sold me on it. I’ve been shopping this damn thing forever, it seems. Thanks for your review of the GR-1. It played a big part in my purchase.

http://twitter.com/SeamusBellamy Seamus Bellamy

My pleasure! Let me know how what you think about the Slick once you get your hands on it. I’ve been eyeing it too.

Michael Flynn

I’ve been carrying the SK26 to work for a month. I wrote a little thing on it:

I am lost regarding the infatuation with these packs. For a tactical style pack they leave a lot to be desired and don’t match up remotely with similar products that say, Mystery Ranch or the Arc Ter’x LEAF line, don’t know any one in that community that would objectively pick the GR pack over those too if price were no issue. For casual civilian pack too expensive for what it offers, and not nearly as comfortable as much lower priced packs OR pricier packs like Black Diamond etc. The insides are well designed, I grant them that but the lack of adjustment on the external features is poor design. Uncomfortable for any real physical work. Tested extensively for a friend as she asked my thoughts. For what its worth, over 15 years experience in tactical environment and decent recreational climber (5.11 or so range at present) plus alpine experience. To me these packs just scream “wannabe” operator when I see them…..

Nick

Mystery Ranch, Arcter’x LEAF, and Black Diamond are glamor packs. They look pretty, but are made with poor materials compared to Go Ruck’s line of packs. If you like lots of pockets bulking up the outside of your pack for your accessories, and you don’t mind replacing it in a few years, go with the glamor packs. If you want a no-nonsense pack that will last decades, go with Go Ruck.

Derek

Funny you mention those two gear lines. Mystery Ranch does not offer a military discount, stating on their Facebook page it would violate their government contract which is curious considering Oakley operates USSI to offer discounts to military and veterans. Arc’teryx is a Canadian company, and while they do manufacture or design a good amount of military gear, I was never truly satisfied with their packs we had (ILBE fyi). Spending 4 years in an infantry battalion I got to test a lot of gear, and from what I have heard from former service members who have been there and done that they have nothing but good to say about GR. I am curious as to what your 15 years in a “tactical environment” really means, but being a climber you clearly have some gear experience. Sure, there are some companies that make great climbing gear, but their daily carry backpacks suck and are quite ugly with the bright colors. I will be purchasing a GR0 soon, and will form my own opinion, but to compare MR is silly since their gear is similar if not far more expensive and “tacticool”.

FYI for those that have served or are currently serving GR offers a 25% military discount.

Richard Heath

I think GORUCK make the best bags on the market – ridiculously high quality, and design that’s taken almost everything away, Apple-style. But, of course, you pay.

The GR1 is their standard, but I think it’s too big for general usage. I have a GR ECHO which is almost certainly too small for most, but that’s what I was aiming for. I think the Radio Ruck (www.goruck.com/gear/Details/radio-ruck-black) is probably the sweet-spot for most, and you can save yourself $50.

You allude to this when you say “reinforced area”, but there’s a phrase that will ring louder to backpacking geeks: “internal framesheet”. The GR1’s got one and it makes a big difference in terms of comfort and stability.

Also note that GoRuck now makes the GR0 as well, which is the same bag scaled down from 26 to 21 liters. I’m 5’8″ and am now “losing sleep”, as you put it, about whether to downsize.

http://thewirecutter.com/ tony kaye

We have a new bags editor redoing everything. Keep an eye out!

km

I recently placed an order with Goruck, their customer service is absolutely terrible, the customer service rep I emailed didn’t fully answer my questions or provided me with incorrect information. Also the shipping cost was $42.00 to ship it, the parcel was really late and when it arrived there was additional duties to be paid, even though the customer service rep had assured me that duties would be included in the shipping cost, when I contacted them about this they could care less. When the bag arrived the quality was not nearly what I was expecting for the high prices, it feels cheap, and threads are already fraying out of the box, not the high quality that I was expecting. Their products look good on the website but its all a sham. I was planning on ordering a Civvy Kit bag as well, but because of the experience i’ve had with Goruck I won’t be doing so. My advice is to take your money and business else where.

http://thewirecutter.com/ tony kaye

That’s really crummy. We’ll make a note of this. Thanks for the feedback!

Chase Valenta

I have had nothing but the best service from Goruck. They were extremely timely in responding to my questions, and my GR1 was at my door within a week of my purchase. I’m sorry that your experience was not as good.

Chris

I have to go with Chase. I recently crashed going 60 MPH on my motorcycle. First off, the bag held up AMAZINGLY well (a tiny hole in the left where I slid on the ground for a few seconds and some ripped webbing). I contacted Goruck, sent them the bag, they told me they couldn’t fix it and are sending me a new one. The entire process will have taken about a week and a half or so from when I originally sent them the bag and when I’ll be receiving my replacement. Part of the reason for taking longer is I asked if they could add some stuff to the packaging and this took a couple days of emailing back and forth because of my work, but they were able to. I have absolutely no regrets on buying this bag, especially since I know without a doubt that if anything ever happens to it again, I’m covered.

Alex M

I, too, feel like this bag is overpriced for what you get. I have owned similar products and think the GoRuck line is missing out a bit. For one thing, it doesn’t have a belt attached to it. I use my packs to commute to work by bicycle and this is a necessity.

The main complaint about the gamut plus is that the back feels a bit big on me (and I am not a small person). Other than that, the pocket layout and options the outside pockets give you are fantastic and the build quality is very good. I did a lot of shopping and comparing (Arc Ter’x, Mystery Ranch, 5.11, GR and many other 3 day packs). I ended up originally buying a 5.11 72 hour pack – which was ok, but the yoke on the pack and the padding on the straps I was not impressed with. Also, it is a pretty big bag, you can definitely carry 3 days worth of stuff in it, but I didn’t like it as a daily commuter. The laptop storage wasn’t that great on it, either.

After all my research, there is no way I could ever justify buying a GR pack. They just aren’t worth the money in my estimation.

JP Flores

I got my GR1 about 2 weeks ago. It’s built like a tank…the fabric is super heavy-duty and stiff. Hopefully it will soften up a bit over time. I also picked up a Field Pocket.

I’m impressed by how much will fit in this bag, the boxy, open-flat design lends itself well toward using as an overnight or 2-night bag.

Just did a short 2 night business trip with the GR1 as my only bag. I fit one pair of jeans, 2 l/s dress shirts, gym shorts, 5 t-shirts, socks, underwear, pair of running shoes, dopp kit….along with my electronics (13″ MBP, iPad, various chargers and cables). I’m 6’2″ with size 13 shoes so my stuff isn’t tiny.

Really happy with how well this packs up and carries. Fits me well and comfortable to carry. Love just having a single bag when I’m running through an airport or train station.

$350 for the bag and field pocket is steep..still shaking my head about the price, but I’m confident that I’ll get a lot of use out of this and it will save me from lugging around an extra bag on short trips.

I do wish it had a couple external pockets for small items that I want quick access to (pens, small notebook, etc.), but I can always solve with a MOLLE attachment.

We spent weeks researching more than a dozen subcompact hatchbacks in search of the best ones, and the $19,000 2015 Honda Fit EX is the best for most people. It’s the safest subcompact we found and among the most fuel-efficient. It’s also packed with modern features and seats four people with room to spare. Plus, it can fit cargo that most subcompacts need strapped to the roof.